A Forbes man has been issued with a $1000 fine for breaching social distancing laws over the long weekend while nearly two dozen warnings were handed out across the region, but police are happy with the public following the first fatality-free Easter weekend in recent memory.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Central West Police District acting inspector Greg Payne said highway patrol officers had commented they couldn't remember the last year the region hadn't recorded a fatality on the roads over Easter.
Police put the drop down to the tiny number of people on the roads over the weekend as most stayed home across the state, with next to no drug or alcohol infringements issued.
"We're very happy with the result from the weekend," Acting Inspector Payne said.
The Forbes man was the only person charged over the weekend for breaching social distancing laws after he was stopped by police in Parkes at 12.50am on Saturday following a minor traffic infringement.
The 34-year-old was unable to provide an acceptable reason for being away from home and was issued with the notice.
Acting Inspector Payne said "about 20" warnings were issued across the weekend, with police called out to some gatherings across the city, but no other penalty infringement notices were issued.
"We're working with the community in regards to social distancing laws," Acting Inspector Payne said.
"At this stage issuing notices isn't the first port of call, we're giving warnings in the first instance."
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
- Send us a letter to the editor using the form below ...
Max Stainkamph
Max joined the CWD in September 2017, leaving the big smoke of Melbourne to come to Orange, where he stayed until 2020.
Max joined the CWD in September 2017, leaving the big smoke of Melbourne to come to Orange, where he stayed until 2020.
